Audi Sport Quattro to Return for 2015?

A new Audi Quattro could be on the market in time for the original's 35th anniversary.

Two years ago at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, Audi unveiled a concept called the Quattro that was meant to be an update of the automaker's classic and iconic rally racer and road car from the 1980s. The concept was an immediate hit and Audi soon announced plans for a limited production run. However, we haven't heard much about the subject from the German automaker until just recently when a new report from German website Auto Bild claimed that the Quattro will hit the market in 2015.

Known internally as the Q35, the timing of its launch is purposely meant to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the original Quattro. The Q35, like its ancestor, will reportedly be powered by a forced-induction 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine - only this one will be supercharged with around 380 horsepower. Mated to Audi's S tronic dual-clutch transmission, it'll go from 0 to 62 mph in about 4 seconds. It should go without saying that it will also feature all-wheel-drive. According to the same source, Audi plans to position the Q35 in between the next-generation TT and the R8, putting it directly in competition with the BMW M3 and even the Porsche 911.

The model's styling will likely be similar to the concept (pictured here) with short overhangs both front and rear, a wide stance and a flat roof. More than likely, it will be a limited production model. One last interesting note here is that Auto Bild also predicts the Q35 will have a mechanical Quattro AWD setup and a plug-in hybrid version may even be launched at a later date.